Who uses cash anymore? Fewer and fewer Americans do

A one dollar chrome printing plate bearing the signatures of US Secretary of Treasury Paul O'Neill and US Treasurer Rosario Marin 21 November 2001 during a tour of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, DC. AFP PHOTO/Shawn THEW (Photo credit should read SHAWN THEW/AFP/Getty Images) less

A one dollar chrome printing plate bearing the signatures of US Secretary of Treasury Paul O'Neill and US Treasurer Rosario Marin 21 November 2001 during a tour of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in ... more

Photo: SHAWN THEW / AFP/Getty Images

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A sheet of unfinished one dollar bills is shown bearing the signatures of US Secretary of Treasury Paul O'Neill and US Treasurer Rosario Marin 21 November 2001 during a tour of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, DC. AFP PHOTO/Shawn THEW (Photo credit should read SHAWN THEW/AFP/Getty Images) less

A sheet of unfinished one dollar bills is shown bearing the signatures of US Secretary of Treasury Paul O'Neill and US Treasurer Rosario Marin 21 November 2001 during a tour of the Bureau of Engraving and ... more

Photo: SHAWN THEW / AFP/Getty Images

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Sheets of one dollar bills bearing the signatures of US Secretary of Treasury Paul O'Neill and US Treasurer Rosario Marin are fed through the final press 21 November 2001at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, DC. Treasury Secretary O'Neill and Treasurer Marin unveiled the Series 2201 Federal Reserve notes bearing their signature at a ceremony at the Bureau 21 November 2001. AFP PHOTO/Shawn THEW (Photo credit should read SHAWN THEW/AFP/Getty Images) less

Sheets of one dollar bills bearing the signatures of US Secretary of Treasury Paul O'Neill and US Treasurer Rosario Marin are fed through the final press 21 November 2001at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing ... more

Photo: SHAWN THEW / AFP/Getty Images

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Bundles of one dollar bills bearing the signatures of US Secretary of Treasury Paul O'Neill and US Treasurer Rosario Marin are moved through the wrapping machine 21 November 2001 during a tour of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, DC. AFP PHOTO/Shawn THEW (Photo credit should read SHAWN THEW/AFP/Getty Images) less

Bundles of one dollar bills bearing the signatures of US Secretary of Treasury Paul O'Neill and US Treasurer Rosario Marin are moved through the wrapping machine 21 November 2001 during a tour of the Bureau of ... more

Photo: SHAWN THEW / AFP/Getty Images

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US Secretary of Treasury Paul O'Neill's signature is shown on a replica one dollar bill 21 November 2001 during a tour of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, DC. AFP PHOTO/Shawn THEW (Photo credit should read SHAWN THEW/AFP/Getty Images) less

US Secretary of Treasury Paul O'Neill's signature is shown on a replica one dollar bill 21 November 2001 during a tour of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, DC. AFP ... more

Photo: SHAWN THEW / AFP/Getty Images

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One dollar bills as they are printed and prepared for distribution to financial institutions April 20, 2005 at the Department of the Treasury Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, DC. Regardless of its denomination, a bill, or banknote, costs 6 cents to produce. A dollar bill lasts about 22 months. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) less

One dollar bills as they are printed and prepared for distribution to financial institutions April 20, 2005 at the Department of the Treasury Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, DC. Regardless of ... more

Photo: Joe Raedle / Getty Images

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Bundles of newly printed twenty dollar bills are prepared for distribution to financial institutions April 20, 2005 at the Department of the Treasury Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, DC. Regardless of its denomination, a bill, or banknote, costs 6 cents to produce. A dollar bill lasts about 22 months. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) less

Bundles of newly printed twenty dollar bills are prepared for distribution to financial institutions April 20, 2005 at the Department of the Treasury Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, DC. ... more

Photo: Joe Raedle / Getty Images

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A worker looks for defective bills in the sheets of newly printed twenty dollar bills as they are prepared for distribution to financial institutions April 20, 2005 at the Department of the Treasury Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, DC. Regardless of its denomination, a bill, or banknote, costs 6 cents to produce. A dollar bill lasts about 22 months. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) less

A worker looks for defective bills in the sheets of newly printed twenty dollar bills as they are prepared for distribution to financial institutions April 20, 2005 at the Department of the Treasury Bureau of ... more

Photo: Joe Raedle / Getty Images

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A worker spreads ink on the rollers of a machine that is processing paper to be used as the base for the printing of a new twenty dollar bill April 20, 2005 at the Department of the Treasury Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, DC. Regardless of its denomination, a bill, or banknote, costs 6 cents to produce. A dollar bill lasts about 22 months. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) less

A worker spreads ink on the rollers of a machine that is processing paper to be used as the base for the printing of a new twenty dollar bill April 20, 2005 at the Department of the Treasury Bureau of ... more

Photo: Joe Raedle / Getty Images

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Bundles of newly printed twenty dollar bills are prepared for distribution to financial institutions April 20, 2005 at the Department of the Treasury Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, DC. Regardless of its denomination, a bill, or banknote, costs 6 cents to produce. A dollar bill lasts about 22 months. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) less

Bundles of newly printed twenty dollar bills are prepared for distribution to financial institutions April 20, 2005 at the Department of the Treasury Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, DC. ... more

Photo: Joe Raedle / Getty Images

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A worker looks for defective bills in a bundle of newly printed twenty dollar bills as they are prepared for distribution to financial institutions April 20, 2005 at the Department of the Treasury Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, DC. Regardless of its denomination, a bill, or banknote, costs 6 cents to produce. A dollar bill lasts about 22 months. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) less

A worker looks for defective bills in a bundle of newly printed twenty dollar bills as they are prepared for distribution to financial institutions April 20, 2005 at the Department of the Treasury Bureau of ... more

Photo: Joe Raedle / Getty Images

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Stacks of paper wait to be put into a machine that is processing it to be used as the base for the printing of a new twenty dollar bill April 20, 2005 at the Department of the Treasury Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, DC. Regardless of its denomination, a bill, or banknote, costs 6 cents to produce. A dollar bill lasts about 22 months. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) less

Stacks of paper wait to be put into a machine that is processing it to be used as the base for the printing of a new twenty dollar bill April 20, 2005 at the Department of the Treasury Bureau of Engraving and ... more

Photo: Joe Raedle / Getty Images

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Bundles of newly printed twenty dollar bills are prepared for distribution to financial institutions April 20, 2005 at the Department of the Treasury Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, DC. Regardless of its denomination, a bill, or banknote, costs 6 cents to produce. A dollar bill lasts about 22 months. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) less

Bundles of newly printed twenty dollar bills are prepared for distribution to financial institutions April 20, 2005 at the Department of the Treasury Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, DC. ... more

Photo: Joe Raedle / Getty Images

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A worker looks for defective bills in the sheets of newly printed twenty dollar bills as they are prepared for distribution to financial institutions April 20, 2005 at the Department of the Treasury Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, DC. Regardless of its denomination, a bill, or banknote, costs 6 cents to produce. A dollar bill lasts about 22 months. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) less

A worker looks for defective bills in the sheets of newly printed twenty dollar bills as they are prepared for distribution to financial institutions April 20, 2005 at the Department of the Treasury Bureau of ... more

Photo: Joe Raedle / Getty Images

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U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing Director, Thomas Ferguson, holds the new $10 bill up to the light to reveal security printing during it's unveiling ceremony on Ellis Island September 28, 2005 in New York Harbor. The $10 bill became the third monetary denomination to be updated with colors as part of the government's effort to thwart counterfeiters. (Photo by Stephen Chernin/Getty Images) less

U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing Director, Thomas Ferguson, holds the new $10 bill up to the light to reveal security printing during it's unveiling ceremony on Ellis Island September 28, 2005 in New York ... more

Photo: Stephen Chernin / Getty Images

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An uncut sheet of the new Series 2001 one dollar bill notes is stored November 21, 2001 at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, DC. The new dollar bills contain the signatures of U.S. Treasury Secretary Paul O''Neill and U.S. Treasurer Rosario Marin. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) less

An uncut sheet of the new Series 2001 one dollar bill notes is stored November 21, 2001 at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, DC. The new dollar bills contain the signatures of U.S. Treasury ... more

Photo: Alex Wong / Getty Images

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Rows of the new Series 2001 one dollar bill notes are stacked November 21, 2001 at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, DC. The new dollar bills contain the signatures of U.S. Treasury Secretary Paul O''Neill and U.S. Treasurer Rosario Marin. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) less

Rows of the new Series 2001 one dollar bill notes are stacked November 21, 2001 at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, DC. The new dollar bills contain the signatures of U.S. Treasury Secretary ... more

Photo: Alex Wong / Getty Images

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New Series 2001 one dollar bill notes pass through a printing press November 21, 2001 at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, DC. The new dollar bills contain the signatures of U.S. Treasury Secretary Paul O''Neill and U.S. Treasurer Rosario Marin. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) less

New Series 2001 one dollar bill notes pass through a printing press November 21, 2001 at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, DC. The new dollar bills contain the signatures of U.S. Treasury ... more

Photo: Alex Wong / Getty Images

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Rows of the new Series 2001 one dollar bill notes line up November 21, 2001 at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, DC. The new dollar bills contain the signatures of U.S. Treasury Secretary Paul O''Neill and U.S. Treasurer Rosario Marin. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) less

Rows of the new Series 2001 one dollar bill notes line up November 21, 2001 at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, DC. The new dollar bills contain the signatures of U.S. Treasury Secretary ... more

Photo: Alex Wong / Getty Images

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Pressman Bruce G. Brzozowski inspects the printing process of the new Series 2001 one-dollar bill notes, which contains the signatures of U.S. Treasury Secretary Paul O''Neill and U.S. Treasurer Rosario Marin November 21, 2001 at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, DC. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) less

Pressman Bruce G. Brzozowski inspects the printing process of the new Series 2001 one-dollar bill notes, which contains the signatures of U.S. Treasury Secretary Paul O''Neill and U.S. Treasurer Rosario Marin ... more

Photo: Alex Wong / Getty Images

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NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson moves bricks of U.S. currency each worth $200,000 down a conveyor belt during a production tour at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing September 28, 2006 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images for Texas Motor Speedway) less

NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson moves bricks of U.S. currency each worth $200,000 down a conveyor belt during a production tour at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing September 28, 2006 in Fort Worth, Texas. ... more

Photo: Ronald Martinez / Getty Images

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NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson drives a forklift with a skid worth $32 million during a production tour at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing September 28, 2006 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images for Texas Motor Speedway) less

NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson drives a forklift with a skid worth $32 million during a production tour at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing September 28, 2006 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Ronald ... more

Photo: Ronald Martinez / Getty Images

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NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson holds bricks of U.S. currency each worth $200,000 while speaking to the media during a production tour at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing September 28, 2006 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images for Texas Motor Speedway) less

NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson holds bricks of U.S. currency each worth $200,000 while speaking to the media during a production tour at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing September 28, 2006 in Fort Worth, ... more

Photo: Ronald Martinez / Getty Images

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US Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson, Jr.(L) speaks with Larry R. Felix(R) Director of the US Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) during a tour 23 October, 2006 at the BEP in Washington, DC. Paulson was on hand for the unveiling of the new twenty dollar bills bearing his signature. AFP PHOTO/Karen BLEIER (Photo credit should read KAREN BLEIER/AFP/Getty Images) less

US Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson, Jr.(L) speaks with Larry R. Felix(R) Director of the US Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) during a tour 23 October, 2006 at the BEP in Washington, DC. Paulson was ... more

Photo: AFP / AFP/Getty Images

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US Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson, Jr.uses a magnifying loop to examine his signature on newly printed twenty dollar bills 23 October, 2006 at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, DC. Paulson was on hand for the unveiling of the new bills bearing his signature. AFP PHOTO/Karen BLEIER (Photo credit should read KAREN BLEIER/AFP/Getty Images) less

US Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson, Jr.uses a magnifying loop to examine his signature on newly printed twenty dollar bills 23 October, 2006 at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, DC. ... more

Photo: KAREN BLEIER / AFP/Getty Images

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US Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson, Jr.(R) examines newly printed twenty USD bills with Ronald Perkins(L) acting assistant at the US Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) during a tour 23 October, 2006 at the BEP in Washington, DC. Paulson was on hand for the unveiling of the new twenty dollar bills bearing his signature. Looking on (C) is Patricia Brown, assistant examing supervisor for BEP. AFP PHOTO/Karen BLEIER (Photo credit should read KAREN BLEIER/AFP/Getty Images) less

US Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson, Jr.(R) examines newly printed twenty USD bills with Ronald Perkins(L) acting assistant at the US Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) during a tour 23 October, 2006 at ... more

Photo: KAREN BLEIER / AFP/Getty Images

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US Bureau of Engraving and Printing(BEP) employee Frank Grap removes an uncut sheet of partially printed twenty USD bills from the printer for inspection 23 October, 2006 at the BEP in Washington, DC. The money is inspected several times during the printing process to ensure quality. AFP PHOTO/Karen BLEIER (Photo credit should read KAREN BLEIER/AFP/Getty Images) less

US Bureau of Engraving and Printing(BEP) employee Frank Grap removes an uncut sheet of partially printed twenty USD bills from the printer for inspection 23 October, 2006 at the BEP in Washington, DC. The ... more

Photo: KAREN BLEIER / AFP/Getty Images

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A US Bureau of Engraving and Printing(BEP) employee scans an uncut sheet of partially printed twenty USD bills 23 October, 2006 at the BEP in Washington, DC. The money is inspected after the background colors are printed to ensure quality. AFP PHOTO/Karen BLEIER (Photo credit should read KAREN BLEIER/AFP/Getty Images) less

A US Bureau of Engraving and Printing(BEP) employee scans an uncut sheet of partially printed twenty USD bills 23 October, 2006 at the BEP in Washington, DC. The money is inspected after the background colors ... more

Photo: KAREN BLEIER / AFP/Getty Images

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US Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson, Jr.(C) speaks with Larry R. Felix(R) Director of the US Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) during a tour 23 October, 2006 at the BEP in Washington, DC. Paulson was on hand for the unveiling of the new twenty dollar bills bearing his signature. Looking on at left is Ronald Perkins. AFP PHOTO/Karen BLEIER (Photo credit should read KAREN BLEIER/AFP/Getty Images) less

US Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson, Jr.(C) speaks with Larry R. Felix(R) Director of the US Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) during a tour 23 October, 2006 at the BEP in Washington, DC. Paulson was ... more

Photo: KAREN BLEIER / AFP/Getty Images

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The new Series 2006 20USD currency notes bearing the signatures of Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Anna Escobedo, Treasurer of the United States, are seen 23 October, 2006 at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, DC. AFP PHOTO/Karen BLEIER (Photo credit should read KAREN BLEIER/AFP/Getty Images) less

The new Series 2006 20USD currency notes bearing the signatures of Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Anna Escobedo, Treasurer of the United States, are seen 23 October, 2006 at the Bureau of Engraving and ... more

Photo: KAREN BLEIER / AFP/Getty Images

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US Bureau of Engraving and Printing employee Hollis Ware(L) and Frank Grap look over sheets of partially printed $20 USD currency 23 October, 2006 at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, DC. The new $20 dollar bills are the first to bear US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson's signature. AFP PHOTO/Karen BLEIER (Photo credit should read KAREN BLEIER/AFP/Getty Images) less

US Bureau of Engraving and Printing employee Hollis Ware(L) and Frank Grap look over sheets of partially printed $20 USD currency 23 October, 2006 at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, DC. ... more

Photo: KAREN BLEIER / AFP/Getty Images

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A Bureau of Engraving and Printing employee examines the engraving plate for the 1996 $100 bill series at a Bureau of Engraving and Printing facility in Washington, DC. Currency and stamps are designed, engraved and printed 24 hours a day on 23 high-speed presses. 2,000 Bureau employees occupy 25 acres of floor space in two Washington, D.C. buildings and an additional 600 Bureau employees are at the Western Currency Facility in Fort Worth, Texas, where currency is printed 24 hours a day, 5 days a week, on 12 high-speed presses. The 1996 U.S. currency series incorporates new features designed to improve the security of the currency. (Photo by Newsmakers) less

A Bureau of Engraving and Printing employee examines the engraving plate for the 1996 $100 bill series at a Bureau of Engraving and Printing facility in Washington, DC. Currency and stamps are designed, ... more

Photo: Getty Images / Getty Images

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1996 U.S. One Dollar bills are printed at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, DC. Currency and stamps are designed, engraved and printed 24 hours a day on 23 high-speed presses. 2,000 Bureau employees occupy 25 acres of floor space in two Washington, D.C. buildings and an additional 600 Bureau employees are at the Western Currency Facility in Fort Worth, Texas, where currency is printed 24 hours a day, 5 days a week, on 12 high-speed presses. The 1996 U.S. currency series incorporates new features designed to improve the security of the currency. (Photo by Newsmakers) less

1996 U.S. One Dollar bills are printed at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, DC. Currency and stamps are designed, engraved and printed 24 hours a day on 23 high-speed presses. 2,000 Bureau ... more

Photo: Getty Images / Getty Images

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1996 U.S. Five Dollar bills are printed at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, DC. Currency and stamps are designed, engraved and printed 24 hours a day on 23 high-speed presses. 2,000 Bureau employees occupy 25 acres of floor space in two Washington, D.C. buildings and an additional 600 Bureau employees are at the Western Currency Facility in Fort Worth, Texas, where currency is printed 24 hours a day, 5 days a week, on 12 high-speed presses. The 1996 U.S. currency series incorporates new features designed to improve the security of the currency. (Photo by Newsmakers) less

1996 U.S. Five Dollar bills are printed at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, DC. Currency and stamps are designed, engraved and printed 24 hours a day on 23 high-speed presses. 2,000 Bureau ... more

Photo: Getty Images / Getty Images

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Angela Jones inspects sheets of soon to be one dollar bills before they are cut into singles at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on March 26, 2009 in Washington, DC. The roots of The Bureau of Engraving and Printing can be traced back to 1862, when a single room was used in the basement of the main Treasury building before moving to its current location on 14th Street in 1864. The Washington printing facility has been responsible for printing all of the paper Federal Reserve notes up until 1991 when it shared the printing responsibilities with a new western facility that opened in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Angela Jones less

Angela Jones inspects sheets of soon to be one dollar bills before they are cut into singles at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on March 26, 2009 in Washington, DC. The roots of The Bureau of Engraving ... more

Photo: Mark Wilson / Getty Images

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Angela Jones inspects sheets of soon to be one dollar bills before they are cut into singles at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on March 26, 2009 in Washington, DC. The roots of The Bureau of Engraving and Printing can be traced back to 1862, when a single room was used in the basement of the main Treasury building before moving to its current location on 14th Street in 1864. The Washington printing facility has been responsible for printing all of the paper Federal Reserve notes up until 1991 when it shared the printing responsibilities with a new western facility that opened in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Angela Jones less

Angela Jones inspects sheets of soon to be one dollar bills before they are cut into singles at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on March 26, 2009 in Washington, DC. The roots of The Bureau of Engraving ... more

Photo: Mark Wilson / Getty Images

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Tony Wolfe stacks sheets of one dollar bills before they are cut into singles at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on March 26, 2009 in Washington, DC. The roots of The Bureau of Engraving and Printing can be traced back to 1862, when a single room was used in the basement of the main Treasury building before moving to its current location on 14th Street in 1864. The Washington printing facility has been responsible for printing all of the paper Federal Reserve notes up until 1991 when it shared the printing responsibilities with a new western facility that opened in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images) less

Tony Wolfe stacks sheets of one dollar bills before they are cut into singles at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on March 26, 2009 in Washington, DC. The roots of The Bureau of Engraving and Printing can ... more

Photo: Mark Wilson / Getty Images

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Tony Wolfe inspects sheets of soon to be one dollar bills before they are cut into singles at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on March 26, 2009 in Washington, DC. The roots of The Bureau of Engraving and Printing can be traced back to 1862, when a single room was used in the basement of the main Treasury building before moving to its current location on 14th Street in 1864. The Washington printing facility has been responsible for printing all of the paper Federal Reserve notes up until 1991 when it shared the printing responsibilities with a new western facility that opened in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Tony Wolfe less

Tony Wolfe inspects sheets of soon to be one dollar bills before they are cut into singles at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on March 26, 2009 in Washington, DC. The roots of The Bureau of Engraving and ... more

Photo: Mark Wilson / Getty Images

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Tony Wolfe inspects sheets of soon to be one dollar bills before they are cut into singles at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on March 26, 2009 in Washington, DC. The roots of The Bureau of Engraving and Printing can be traced back to 1862, when a single room was used in the basement of the main Treasury building before moving to its current location on 14th Street in 1864. The Washington printing facility has been responsible for printing all of the paper Federal Reserve notes up until 1991 when it shared the printing responsibilities with a new western facility that opened in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Tony Wolfe less

Tony Wolfe inspects sheets of soon to be one dollar bills before they are cut into singles at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on March 26, 2009 in Washington, DC. The roots of The Bureau of Engraving and ... more

Photo: Mark Wilson / Getty Images

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Angela Jones inspects sheets of soon to be one dollar bills before they are cut into singles at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on March 26, 2009 in Washington, DC. The roots of The Bureau of Engraving and Printing can be traced back to 1862, when a single room was used in the basement of the main Treasury building before moving to its current location on 14th Street in 1864. The Washington printing facility has been responsible for printing all of the paper Federal Reserve notes up until 1991 when it shared the printing responsibilities with a new western facility that opened in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Angela Jones less

Angela Jones inspects sheets of soon to be one dollar bills before they are cut into singles at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on March 26, 2009 in Washington, DC. The roots of The Bureau of Engraving ... more

Photo: Mark Wilson / Getty Images

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Roosevelt Lee inspects one dollar bills after they were cut into singles at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on March 26, 2009 in Washington, DC. The roots of The Bureau of Engraving and Printing can be traced back to 1862, when a single room was used in the basement of the main Treasury building before moving to its current location on 14th Street in 1864. The Washington printing facility has been responsible for printing all of the paper Federal Reserve notes up until 1991 when it shared the printing responsibilities with a new western facility that opened in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Roosevelt Lee less

Roosevelt Lee inspects one dollar bills after they were cut into singles at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on March 26, 2009 in Washington, DC. The roots of The Bureau of Engraving and Printing can be ... more

Photo: Mark Wilson / Getty Images

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Jefferson Best loosens a stack of one dollar bills before they are cut into singles at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on March 26, 2009 in Washington, DC. The roots of The Bureau of Engraving and Printing can be traced back to 1862, when a single room was used in the basement of the main Treasury building before moving to its current location on 14th Street in 1864. The Washington printing facility has been responsible for printing all of the paper Federal Reserve notes up until 1991 when it shared the printing responsibilities with a new western facility that opened in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jefferson Best less

Jefferson Best loosens a stack of one dollar bills before they are cut into singles at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on March 26, 2009 in Washington, DC. The roots of The Bureau of Engraving and ... more

Photo: Mark Wilson / Getty Images

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Tony Wolfe stacks sheets of one dollar bills before they are cut into singles at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on March 26, 2009 in Washington, DC. The roots of The Bureau of Engraving and Printing can be traced back to 1862, when a single room was used in the basement of the main Treasury building before moving to its current location on 14th Street in 1864. The Washington printing facility has been responsible for printing all of the paper Federal Reserve notes up until 1991 when it shared the printing responsibilities with a new western facility that opened in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Tony Wolfe less

Tony Wolfe stacks sheets of one dollar bills before they are cut into singles at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on March 26, 2009 in Washington, DC. The roots of The Bureau of Engraving and Printing can ... more

Photo: Mark Wilson / Getty Images

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Jefferson Best loosens a stack of one dollar bills on a vibrating table before they are cut into singles at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on March 26, 2009 in Washington, DC. The roots of The Bureau of Engraving and Printing can be traced back to 1862, when a single room was used in the basement of the main Treasury building before moving to its current location on 14th Street in 1864. The Washington printing facility has been responsible for printing all of the paper Federal Reserve notes up until 1991 when it shared the printing responsibilities with a new western facility that opened in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jefferson Best less

Jefferson Best loosens a stack of one dollar bills on a vibrating table before they are cut into singles at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on March 26, 2009 in Washington, DC. The roots of The Bureau of ... more

Photo: Mark Wilson / Getty Images

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Jefferson Best inspects sheets of one dollar bills on a vibrating table before they are cut into singles at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on March 26, 2009 in Washington, DC. The roots of The Bureau of Engraving and Printing can be traced back to 1862, when a single room was used in the basement of the main Treasury building before moving to its current location on 14th Street in 1864. The Washington printing facility has been responsible for printing all of the paper Federal Reserve notes up until 1991 when it shared the printing responsibilities with a new western facility that opened in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jefferson Best less

Jefferson Best inspects sheets of one dollar bills on a vibrating table before they are cut into singles at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on March 26, 2009 in Washington, DC. The roots of The Bureau of ... more

Photo: Mark Wilson / Getty Images

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A machine processes stacks of one dollar bills at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on March 26, 2009 in Washington, DC. The roots of The Bureau of Engraving and Printing can be traced back to 1862, when a single room was used in the basement of the main Treasury building before moving to its current location on 14th Street in 1864. The Washington printing facility has been responsible for printing all of the paper Federal Reserve notes up until 1991 when it shared the printing responsibilities with a new western facility that opened in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images) less

A machine processes stacks of one dollar bills at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on March 26, 2009 in Washington, DC. The roots of The Bureau of Engraving and Printing can be traced back to 1862, when a ... more

Photo: Mark Wilson / Getty Images

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Jefferson Best (L) and Mark Bowen loosen a stack of one dollar bills on a vibrating table before they are cut into singles at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on March 26, 2009 in Washington, DC. The roots of The Bureau of Engraving and Printing can be traced back to 1862, when a single room was used in the basement of the main Treasury building before moving to its current location on 14th Street in 1864. The Washington printing facility has been responsible for printing all of the paper Federal Reserve notes up until 1991 when it shared the printing responsibilities with a new western facility that opened in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Mark Bowen;Jefferson Best less

Jefferson Best (L) and Mark Bowen loosen a stack of one dollar bills on a vibrating table before they are cut into singles at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on March 26, 2009 in Washington, DC. The roots ... more

Photo: Mark Wilson / Getty Images

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Mark Bowen loosens a stack of one dollar bills on a vibrating table before they are cut into singles at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on March 26, 2009 in Washington, DC. The roots of The Bureau of Engraving and Printing can be traced back to 1862, when a single room was used in the basement of the main Treasury building before moving to its current location on 14th Street in 1864. The Washington printing facility has been responsible for printing all of the paper Federal Reserve notes up until 1991 when it shared the printing responsibilities with a new western facility that opened in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Mark Bowen less

Mark Bowen loosens a stack of one dollar bills on a vibrating table before they are cut into singles at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on March 26, 2009 in Washington, DC. The roots of The Bureau of ... more

Photo: Mark Wilson / Getty Images

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Stacks of one dollar bills pass through on machine at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on March 26, 2009 in Washington, DC. The roots of The Bureau of Engraving and Printing can be traced back to 1862, when a single room was used in the basement of the main Treasury building before moving to its current location on 14th Street in 1864. The Washington printing facility has been responsible for printing all of the paper Federal Reserve notes up until 1991 when it shared the printing responsibilities with a new western facility that opened in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images) less

Stacks of one dollar bills pass through on machine at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on March 26, 2009 in Washington, DC. The roots of The Bureau of Engraving and Printing can be traced back to 1862, ... more

Photo: Mark Wilson / Getty Images

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A smiley face was drawn on a one dollar bill to test the defect procedure at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on March 26, 2009 in Washington, DC. The roots of The Bureau of Engraving and Printing can be traced back to 1862, when a single room was used in the basement of the main Treasury building before moving to its current location on 14th Street in 1864. The Washington printing facility has been responsible for printing all of the paper Federal Reserve notes up until 1991 when it shared the printing responsibilities with a new western facility that opened in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images) less

A smiley face was drawn on a one dollar bill to test the defect procedure at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on March 26, 2009 in Washington, DC. The roots of The Bureau of Engraving and Printing can be ... more

Photo: Mark Wilson / Getty Images

Image 51 of 61

Pallets of one hundred dollars bills sit at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on March 26, 2009 in Washington, DC. The roots of The Bureau of Engraving and Printing can be traced back to 1862, when a single room was used in the basement of the main Treasury building before moving to its current location on 14th Street in 1864. The Washington printing facility has been responsible for printing all of the paper Federal Reserve notes up until 1991 when it shared the printing responsibilities with a new western facility that opened in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images) less

Pallets of one hundred dollars bills sit at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on March 26, 2009 in Washington, DC. The roots of The Bureau of Engraving and Printing can be traced back to 1862, when a single ... more

Photo: Mark Wilson / Getty Images

Image 52 of 61

Sheets of one hundred dollar bills wait to be cut into singles at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on March 26, 2009 in Washington, DC. The roots of The Bureau of Engraving and Printing can be traced back to 1862, when a single room was used in the basement of the main Treasury building before moving to its current location on 14th Street in 1864. The Washington printing facility has been responsible for printing all of the paper Federal Reserve notes up until 1991 when it shared the printing responsibilities with a new western facility that opened in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images) less

Sheets of one hundred dollar bills wait to be cut into singles at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on March 26, 2009 in Washington, DC. The roots of The Bureau of Engraving and Printing can be traced back ... more

Photo: Mark Wilson / Getty Images

Image 53 of 61

Stacks of one dollar bills pass through on machine at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on March 26, 2009 in Washington, DC. The roots of The Bureau of Engraving and Printing can be traced back to 1862, when a single room was used in the basement of the main Treasury building before moving to its current location on 14th Street in 1864. The Washington printing facility has been responsible for printing all of the paper Federal Reserve notes up until 1991 when it shared the printing responsibilities with a new western facility that opened in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images) less

Stacks of one dollar bills pass through on machine at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on March 26, 2009 in Washington, DC. The roots of The Bureau of Engraving and Printing can be traced back to 1862, ... more

Photo: Mark Wilson / Getty Images

Image 54 of 61

Stacks of one dollar bills headed to New York sit at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on March 26, 2009 in Washington, DC. The roots of The Bureau of Engraving and Printing can be traced back to 1862, when a single room was used in the basement of the main Treasury building before moving to its current location on 14th Street in 1864. The Washington printing facility has been responsible for printing all of the paper Federal Reserve notes up until 1991 when it shared the printing responsibilities with a new western facility that opened in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images) less

Stacks of one dollar bills headed to New York sit at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on March 26, 2009 in Washington, DC. The roots of The Bureau of Engraving and Printing can be traced back to 1862, when ... more

Photo: Mark Wilson / Getty Images

Image 55 of 61

A sign hangs over a pallet of one hundred dollar bills at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on March 26, 2009 in Washington, DC. The roots of The Bureau of Engraving and Printing can be traced back to 1862, when a single room was used in the basement of the main Treasury building before moving to its current location on 14th Street in 1864. The Washington printing facility has been responsible for printing all of the paper Federal Reserve notes up until 1991 when it shared the printing responsibilities with a new western facility that opened in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images) less

A sign hangs over a pallet of one hundred dollar bills at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on March 26, 2009 in Washington, DC. The roots of The Bureau of Engraving and Printing can be traced back to 1862, ... more

Photo: Mark Wilson / Getty Images

Image 56 of 61

US Bureau of Engraving and Printing employee Lisimba Williams flips through a stack of newly printed bills at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington October 23, 2006. The new USD 20 bill is the first paper currency bearing US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson's signature. AFP PHHOTO/Karen BLEIER (Photo credit should read KAREN BLEIER/AFP/Getty Images) less

US Bureau of Engraving and Printing employee Lisimba Williams flips through a stack of newly printed bills at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington October 23, 2006. The new USD 20 bill is the ... more

Photo: KAREN BLEIER / AFP/Getty Images

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U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing Director Larry Felix explains some of the security features of the new $100 note after it was unveild at the Treasury Department April 21, 2010 in Washington, DC. According to the Treasury Department, the U.S. government evaluates advances in digital and printing technology to redesign currency and stay ahead of counterfeiters. The new note will be put into circulation in Feburary 2011. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) less

U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing Director Larry Felix explains some of the security features of the new $100 note after it was unveild at the Treasury Department April 21, 2010 in Washington, DC. ... more

Photo: Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images

Image 58 of 61

U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing Director Larry Felix explains some of the security features of the new $100 note after it was unveiled at the Treasury Department April 21, 2010 in Washington, DC. According to the Treasury Department, the U.S. government evaluates advances in digital and printing technology to redesign currency and stay ahead of counterfeiters. The new note will be put into circulation in Feburary 2011. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) less

U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing Director Larry Felix explains some of the security features of the new $100 note after it was unveiled at the Treasury Department April 21, 2010 in Washington, DC. ... more

Photo: Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images

Image 59 of 61

U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing Director Larry Felix explains some of the security features of the new $100 note after it was unveiled at the Treasury Department April 21, 2010 in Washington, DC. According to the Treasury Department, the U.S. government evaluates advances in digital and printing technology to redesign currency and stay ahead of counterfeiters. The new note will be put into circulation in Feburary 2011. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) less

U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing Director Larry Felix explains some of the security features of the new $100 note after it was unveiled at the Treasury Department April 21, 2010 in Washington, DC. ... more

Photo: Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images

Image 60 of 61

Construction of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing Building December 3, 1912 in Washington. (Photo by National Archives/Newsmakers)

Construction of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing Building December 3, 1912 in Washington. (Photo by National Archives/Newsmakers)

Photo: National Archives / Getty Images

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Who uses cash anymore? Fewer and fewer Americans do

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Get this: Last year, the U.S. Treasury Department printed no $10 bills. Zero.

When was the last time you used a Hamilton? Or, really, when was the last time you used cash?

You can’t use cash on Amazon.com. You can’t mail Apple an envelope full of money when you download from iTunes. Heck, you can’t even use Washingtons or Lincolns anymore to buy snacks on most airlines.

Many years ago, when I got my first credit card, I decided to use it for as many purchases as possible. Why? Miles! I pay for almost everything with my airline-emblazoned credit card – now, when I do fly, I can usually do it for free.

(Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

The last time I used cash? It was at Fat Smitty’s, a quirky – to say the least – burger joint on the Olympic Peninsula that only takes cash. (I had to use the ATM in the back – obviously installed there so the general public could actually eat there.) The time before that? More likely than not, it was at Dick’s Drive-In.

Thinking about it now, Dick’s might be the only reason I’d carry around cash for any amount of time – other than the five minutes between ATM and change-making machine for laundry money. Taxis take credit. Even parking meters accept plastic now.

When I carry paper money, I end up feeling uncomfortable. What if I got mugged? I’d just flat-out lose $80, or whatever. If I only carried a credit card, a quick call to my bank would take care of any losses (other than a drivers license renewal).

You know who uses lots of cash? Criminals. Cash is nearly untraceable. The NYT notes that Whitey Bulger, the Boston mobster who eluded cops for 16 years, paid his rent in Santa Monica with cash. If you ran a car dealership and a client laid down a big wad of greenbacks for a $50,000 Corvette, wouldn’t it raise your eyebrows?

I don’t mean to offend all you faithful cash users out there; carrying a few twenties in your wallet doesn’t make you a criminal. But since the introduction of plastic payment in the 1970s, and especially with the dawn of Internet commerce, Americans’ use of paper money has been on the decline, reports the NYT.

Currency remains the best available technology for paying baby sitters and tipping bellhops. Many small businesses — estimates range from one-third to half — won’t accept plastic. And criminals prefer cash. Whitey Bulger, the Boston gangster who lived in Santa Monica for 15 years, paid his rent in cash, and stashed thousands of dollars in his apartment walls.

Indeed, cash remains so pervasive, and the pace of change so slow, that Ron Shevlin, an analyst with the Boston research firm Aite Group, recently calculated that Americans would still be using paper currency in 200 years.

“Cash works for us,” Mr. Shevlin said. “The downward trend is clear, but change advocates always overestimate how quickly these things will happen.”

And there’s one big exception to this trend – $100 bills are in high demand. Last year was the first time the Treasury printed more C-notes than singles, the NYT reports. And in places with fickle economies, U.S. $100 bills are hoarded almost like they’re gold.